A new digital wallet that reduces gambling harm and money laundering risks is being trialed for the first time in NSW, where up to 200 people will participate.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson says digital wallets are being tested as part of a pioneering initiative to help venue managers and law enforcement officials identify money laundering cases.
“The trial is part of an initiative to provide customers with more flexibility and control over their spending.” says Anderson.
“The three-month trial will test how the technology operates in real-life conditions and its potential benefits for venues and patrons.”
Customers at Western Australia’s Club West can now use their mobile phones to play games on 36 machines, thanks to technology developed by Aristocrat Gaming using a Bluetooth connection between the customer’s mobile phone and the gaming machine. It will enable them to deposit money directly from their mobile wallet into the game.
According to Anderson players can set spending or time limits, see real-time spending data, take a break or self-exclude from gambling, and access other responsible gambling tools and services with the digital wallet.
“The digital wallet requires a person’s identity to be confirmed before they can play and they are linked to that person’s debit card or bank account which means authorities can identify where those funds have come from if needed.” he said
Four examples of limits that can be set with the new technology include:
- Frequency of play: maximum number of visits to a venue in a specified period
- Session length: maximum duration for a continuous gaming session
- Amount spent: total net expenditure in a given period
- Total bets: maximum total bets within a given period
Users are able to choose which limit to activate and choose multiple limits that can’t then be altered for 24 hours.
Managing Director Aristocrat Gaming APAC David Ronson says we are pleased to have put forth this proposition, as we believe that allowing electronic gaming machine play payment through patrons’ mobile phones will increase the long-term vitality and vigor of our trade.
“The investment to bring forward and trial cashless payment solutions, through digital wallet technology, and deliver a complete digital experience for patrons is part of Aristocrat’s longstanding commitment to innovation and supporting its customers.” says Ronson.
CEO of The Wests Group Australia Phil Gardner says the initiative is designed to enhance the patron experience and introduce a new level of convenience and safety.
“Our long-standing dedication to welfare and patron choice is what makes this trial particularly meaningful. Many of our patron’s desire digital payments, and this trial offers them.”
“Members will be able to use the new digital tools to empower themselves and set limits, speak to staff members, or even exclude themselves from the club if they wish.” says Gardner.
Mr Anderson added, the Government has approved three other gaming manufacturers to conduct similar trials, IGT, Utopia Gaming and Scientific Games, with another application currently being assessed.
